TODAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Detroit

9:30 a.m., Channel 11

* The line: Detroit by 6.

* Key injuries: Detroit--Quarterback Charlie Batch (thumb, questionable).

* Key elements: The Bears rank first in NFC in passing offense. In last two games, quarterback Jim Miller has passed for 779 yards. Detroit has won four of its last five Thanksgiving Day games.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

*--*

Chi Det Points scored 17.3 (19) 21.8 (16) Points allowed 20.1 (20) 19.7 (16) Passing O 275.8 (2) 238.3 (9) Rushing O 90.9 (25) 92.4 (24) Total O 366.7 (5) 330.7 (15) Passing D 256.6 (28) 260.3 (29) Rushing D 113.5 (23) 87.7 (5) Total D 370.2 (28) 348.9 (24)

*--*

* Steve Springer’s pick: Detroit. Miller has been a pleasant surprise for the Bears, but he’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise when he finds himself in the Lions’ den on Thanksgiving Day with Detroit fighting for a division title.

Miami at Dallas

1:15 p.m., Channel 2

* The line: Dallas by 1 1/2.

* Key injuries: None.

* Key elements: Dolphins have AFC-best red-zone defense at 28.6% (six touchdowns in 21 trips). Cowboys’ total and rush defense both rank fourth in NFC.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

*--*

Mia Dal Points scored 21.9 (10) 23.5 (7) Points allowed 18.3 (12) 18.2 (11) Passing O 209.2 (22) 195.2 (23) Rushing O 97.0 (21) 130.9 (3) Total O 306.2 (23) 326.1 (17) Passing D 190.4 (6) 223.7 (17) Rushing D 91.9 (11) 91.1 (8) Total D 282.3 (6) 314.8 (10)

*--*

* Steve Springer’s pick: Dallas. Jimmy comes back. But, unfortunately for the Dolphins, so does Troy. With or without Dan Marino at quarterback, Miami will come up short.

--Research by Jim Barrero